County Manager (Mr. Stark) read and recommended adoption of resolution 252634, asking the New Mexico Racing Commission to reconsider approving Sunray Park’s request to transfer its racing license to Clovis or, if the transfer proceeds, to require issuance of an unissued sixth racing license to San Juan County.

Manager Stark said San Juan County and Sunray Park have had a 28-year lease relationship and that the proposed transfer was announced on short notice. He told the commission the county estimated Sunray employs roughly 100–120 people, about 75% of whom he said are Native American, and that the racetrack and associated gaming produce rental income and economic activity for the county. He said the racing commission approved the transfer and opened a 45-day comment period that closes Dec. 4, with a public hearing to follow.

The resolution recounts the history of the relationship with Sunray Park, alleges the owners did not inform the county while pursuing the transfer, and urges the Racing Commission to either reverse its approval, issue the county a sixth license so Clovis would not require a transfer, or reschedule the public hearing to a neutral location and a date after the Christmas holidays.

A motion to adopt resolution 252634 was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.